The 1840s machine, which has been on display at the Museum of Gardening in Hassocks, will now be a centrepiece in the British Library’s exhibition, “Unearthed: The Power of Gardening,” until August 10.
Curator Clive Gravett said: “Since it arrived in Hassocks, on generous loan from Ransomes Jacobsen Ltd of Ipswich, it’s been the star attraction in the gardening museum at South Downs Nurseries.
“We’ve had scores of visitors from far and wide to see, photograph, and film the historic mower over the past few months.”
The mower is the oldest known to exist and one of only two original Budding models.
It predates the model in the Science Museum by about a decade.
Clive Gravett prepares rare Budding model for British Library spotlight (Image: ARCHIE TIPPLE)
Mr Gravett has researched the original owners of the mower and even discovered details about the head gardener who likely used the mower in the 1840s.
He has published these findings on his blog.
Mr Gravett said: “Something this noteworthy deserves to be seen by those interested in our horticultural heritage.
“And I am delighted that it’s part of the British Library’s major summer exhibition, and I am sure Budding would have been as well.”
After its stint in London, the mower will return to Sussex in mid-August to be displayed for the rest of the year.
